My husband and I are looking to replace our 2015 Hyundai with 188k miles. With prices going up and the economy being unpredictable, we want something reliable, safe, and durable. We’re leaning toward a lightly used Toyota because of the parts availability and resale value.
My husband prefers the 4Runner because of its off-road ability and strong resale value. He likes that it can handle emergencies (like driving around a fallen tree) and thinks it’s a good backup plan if we ever need to sell it. But the gas mileage is terrible, and its size might make it harder to sell quickly.
I lean toward the RAV4 Hybrid for the fuel economy. I don’t see us needing serious off-road features, and I think a smaller, more efficient SUV would be easier to sell if times get tough. But he doesn’t see the point in having two midsize SUVs (our other car is a 2015 Honda CR-V with 144k miles). He’d rather get a truck or full-size SUV.
We also considered the Highlander, but it feels like a middle ground without standing out in either fuel economy, resale value, or off-road capability.
The RAV4 Hybrid gets 46 mpg in warmer months and 40 in colder ones. It’s very reliable, and the fuel savings in the first year alone could be huge. Stick to trims like the XLE or XLE Premium—higher trims get expensive fast. The only downside is some wind noise. Honestly, it sounds like your husband might be more focused on the image of driving a 4Runner than the practicality.
Swift said: @Slurry
Not really about the image—he just doesn’t want two midsize SUVs and prefers something with more cargo space and towing capacity.
Do you actually need to tow and haul often, or is this more of an ‘in case of an apocalypse’ thing? I’ve driven a sedan for 11 years, and it’s handled all my needs just fine here in regular life.
I get where your husband is coming from—bigger SUVs have more space and versatility. That said, it might be tough to find a lightly used 4Runner under $40k.
Denali said:
I get where your husband is coming from—bigger SUVs have more space and versatility. That said, it might be tough to find a lightly used 4Runner under $40k.
Yeah, ‘lightly used’ for a Toyota often means something different from other brands!
Do you usually load your cars to the brim? The RAV4 holds a lot, especially with the seats folded down. Not as much as a 4Runner, but I’ve never had trouble fitting what I needed.
@Swift
Check CarGurus in your area. I found several GX460s under $40k with under 65k miles. Also, a few Sequoias under 75k miles in that range. If you’re open to something like the Honda Ridgeline, you might find a good deal too. Just tossing out ideas—I love SUV shopping!
Have you considered the Highlander Hybrid? It might actually fit your needs well. It gets better mpg than a gas RAV4 (though not as good as the hybrid), has more cargo space, and is a lot more comfortable. My mother-in-law has a RAV4 XLE, and we have a Highlander LE. The Highlander is quieter, drives better, and feels more premium, even in the lower trims. It’s not as off-road capable as the 4Runner, but for everyday driving, it’s plenty. In my area, you can find certified pre-owned Highlander Hybrids around $36k, which should keep you under $40k out the door.